Amphetamines and Methamphetamine

These are a group of synthetic chemicals that structurally resemble the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.  Amphetamine itself was synthesized in 1927; methamphetamine came next. Methamphetamine is referred to as "meth," "speed," "chalk," "ice," "crystal," and "glass."

Amphetamine, also known as an upper or bennie, was first used as a nasal decongestant between 1932 and 1949 until it was replaced by a compound that did not cause central nervous system effects.  Amphetamines have also been used for depression, appetite suppression and weight control, sleep substitution to extend performance, narcolepsy (periods of uncontrollable sleep), and childhood hyperactivity (attention deficit disorder). The treatment of narcolepsy and hyperactivity are the only medical uses remaining.

Amphetamine use was widespread among soldiers during World War II.  Rampant abuse followed the war in Japan, Sweden, and other areas of Europe.  The U.S. military in Vietnam used amphetamines extensively, but a significant abuse problem in the U.S. began only after physicians started prescribing amphetamines as a treatment for heroin dependence.  An abuse explosion occurred in the U.S. during the 1960s, particularly on the West Coast.  Abuse remains a significant problem, with a large portion of legally produced amphetamines being diverted to illegal use. Ritalin and other stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are often sold on the street. 

Amphetamines are absorbed after ingestion, inhalation (snorting), injection, or smoking.  As in the case of cocaine, the more rapidly a dose is delivered and the higher the level achieved, the greater is the euphoria or rush. Dependence occurs quickly.  Amphetamine effects are virtually indistinguishable from cocaine effects except by chemical testing.  These include increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration and body temperature, and euphoria.  However, the durations of action and toxicities differ significantly from those of cocaine.

Amphetamines produce long-lasting effects; methamphetamine can be effective for nearly a day.  Amphetamines are fat soluble and accumulate in the brain and in fat cells with repeated use.  Acute central nervous system effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness.  Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine in the brain, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease.  Other long-term effects include irreversible damage to blood vessels, producing strokes; respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Users may also end up with "meth mouth," a condition that leaves users' teeth black-stained, rotted, and often unsalvageable. 

Publicity and education over the past several years have made people more aware of the impact and dangers of methamphetamine. Law enforcement agencies have aggressively cracked down on finding and eliminating meth labs. While methamphetamine poses a tremendous risk to the user, its reach extends much further and deeper into the community.  Meth plays a major role in many cases of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and is a significant public health burden. Children who live in households where meth is "cooked" live in extremely toxic environments, inhaling noxious fumes that can lead to brain damage. They are also at risk of overdosing on meth that is left out by a parent.

The damage extends to the environment as well.  For every pound of meth that is produced, five to six pounds of hazardous waste is also produced and typically ends up in streams, rivers, fields, backyards, and sewage systems.  The average cost of meth lab clean-up is quite expensive, and it can be dangerous.

For more information about amphetamines and methamphetamine, visit http://www.drugs.com/amphetamine.html, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/methamphetamine.html,  and the website for the North Metro Task Force at http://www.nmtf.us/.  The NMTF is located on the front range but has done trainings on methamphetamine in the Craig area and provides an excellent resource on this topic.